Welcome to OpenRPG version 1.6.1...
Emote commands:
/date - Display the local and GMT time and date.
/dieroller roller - Set your dieroller or list the available rollers.
/font - Sets the font.
/fontsize - Sets the size of your fonts. Recomended 8 or better for the size.
/help - Displays a list of emote commands.
/i or /i player_id_number - Ignore user associated with that player ID.
/lines [number] - View or set the maximum number of lines shown in chat.
/load - Loads settings from another ini file from the myfiles directory.
/log [ on | off | to filename ] - Check log state, additionally turn logging on, off, or set the log filename prefix.
/me - Alias for **yourname.
/moderate [ on | off ] - Show who can speak in a moderated room, or turn room moderation on or off.
/moderate player_id,...=on | off - Give people the ability to speak in a moderated room, or revoke it.
/name or /nick your_name - Change your name.
/ping - Ask for a response from the server.
/purge - Purge history older than your buffersize.
/role [player_id = GM | Player | Lurker] - Get player roles from ther server, or change the role of a player.
/set [setting[=value]] - Displays one or all settings, or sets a setting.
/status your_status - Set your online status (afk,away,etc..).
/time - See /date.
/update [get] - Get the latest version of OpenRPG.
/version - Displays current version of OpenRPG.
/w player_id_number, ... = message - Whisper to player(s). Can contain multiple IDs.
Locating server at c-67-169-218-251.hsd1.or.comcast.net:6774...
Game connected!
(365) Steve (enter): 12:49
Server Administrator-> You have connected to an OpenRPG server, version '1.6.1'.
No fog. It seems cool, but on this end CPU usage goes up to 100% in moments, lag grows exponentially, people start being unable to connect and stuff.
You may encounter adult conversations, concepts and material on this server. If you're under the age of consent, get out now. My arse is now officially covered... parents and watchdogs, take responsibility for your own damn kids, 'cos I sure as hell won't.
New! Enjoy the freedom of communication with the OpenRPG Veav I message board. There's no registration, no accounts or passwords at all, just post and enjoy. This is being hosted by a friend on sensitive space, so no posting anything overtly pornographic and definitely nothing illegal - that includes unlicensed PDFs, people.
This is a friendly server. I don't much care what you do, so long as you do it in a civilized manner. This means you can discuss anything you like and say anything you like, using whatever words you choose - so long as you aren't being an asshole.
(167) Veav (enter): 12:49
(332) Sin (enter): 12:49
(363) Jack (enter): 12:49
(364) Poison1043 (enter): 12:49
Moving to room 'Tensided'..
(365) Steve (enter): 12:50
Server Administrator->
It is pitch black. You are likely to be eaten by a Grue.
(367) Jack (enter): 12:53
Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (367) Jack...
(368) Penny (enter): 12:54
(367) Jack: yo
(365) Steve: what up
Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (368) Penny...
(367) Jack: hmm... what's a grue? and is being eaten by one necessarily an unpleasant experience?
(365) Steve: It's an old MUD joke. If it was "pitch black" when you entered a room, there was a severe danger of being eaten by a grue
(367) Jack: okay
(365) Steve: I forgot which MUD it was, but it was real popular
(367) Jack: Gotcha. Where is everyone? Afraid Penny'll say something derogatory to them or about them or to them about them?
(365) Steve: Lesee, Hotfoot called Justin and said he'd be late. Marcao, I don't know. DS is at work
(367) Jack: I mean, I know last week can't be topped but still.
(365) Steve: Hmm, the GM is late. That's unusual
(367) Jack: Too unusual.
(367) Jack: o_O
** (367) Jack looks around suspiciously. **
(365) Steve: Of course, it could be that he knows Hotfoot will be late, so he'll be late because he can be
(369) arthurtuxedo (enter): 13:02
(365) Steve: or not
Attempting to assign the role of GM to (369) arthurtuxedo...
Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (365) Steve...
(369) arthurtuxedo: Hotfoot says he and Marcao will show in about 20 mins
(365) Steve: Those bastards
(371) Matthew Guilliard (enter): 13:04
(370) Matthew Guilliard (enter): 13:04
(369) arthurtuxedo: Fill my eyes, with that double vision...
(365) Steve: I'll fill your eyes with buckshot, bitch
(371) Matthew Guilliard: It's a shell game, baby
(370) Enrique: :P
Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (371) Matthew Guilliard...
(367) Jack: I... wha?
Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (370) Enrique...
(367) Jack: Now what?
(365) Steve: Now it's time to whoop some ass!
(368) Penny: test
** (368) Penny test **
** (368) Penny gives the thumbsup **
(371) Matthew Guilliard: Wait, what, questionable material? Onoes?
(365) Steve: Right. Questionable material that shall not be discussed outside of IM, if at all.
(367) Jack: 8D
(371) Matthew Guilliard: Hm, now I'm intrigued
(371) Matthew Guilliard: :p
(365) Steve: So is it time to get this party started? Everyone's here, right?
(367) Jack: Art's getting hiself together.
(367) Jack: Or seomthing.
(365) Steve: That son of a bitch
(367) Jack: I'm just guessing.
(369) arthurtuxedo: I'm loading all the files
(367) Jack: He was busy, you know.
(370) Enrique: its cool.
(365) Steve: YOU SON OF A BITCH!!!
(370) Enrique: ^_^
(367) Jack: Dont give him a hard time. He's been mostly dead all day.
(369) arthurtuxedo: Eep
(365) Steve: At least he's not all dead. With all dead, there's only one thing you can do.
(367) Jack: What's that?
(365) Steve: Go through his pockets and look for loose change
(370) Enrique: lol
(371) Matthew Guilliard: Have fun storming the castle
(367) Jack: Think it will work?
(365) Steve: I love that movie
(371) Matthew Guilliard: It'd take a miracle.
(367) Jack: B'bye!
** (367) Jack waves **
(369) arthurtuxedo: Note to self: do not encode MPEG-2 files while trying to load dozens of word and excel files
** (365) Steve points and laughs **
(369) arthurtuxedo: Okay it's done, now I have all my cycles back
(367) Jack: huzzah
(371) Matthew Guilliard: MPEG-2? Zuh?
(371) Matthew Guilliard: Isn't that a movie format?
(367) Jack: Silly, silly man.
(371) Matthew Guilliard: Buh?
(369) arthurtuxedo: Okay, I've got everything prepped and ready to go
** (365) Steve laughs uproariously at Matt and Enrique's statuses **
(367) Jack: 8D
(371) Matthew Guilliard: Thought you might like that :)
(369) arthurtuxedo: We left off in Lexington, KY the next morning. The conversions are all done, the party has gotten plenty of sleep, and if some of the members knew where Penny was the night before, the mayor might be missing teeth.
(367) Jack: XD
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((Oh dear))
(365) Steve: I took away his weapons. Both of them.
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((LOL))
(367) Jack: ...
** (370) Enrique awoke with a start. His eyes focusing on the ceiling of the apartment above the bed before he rolled on his side and looked around. Everything seemed to be in order, his eyes narrowing for a moment before he sat up on the bed and gathered himself. He took a deep breath and held it, eyes closing as he focused on his breathing. A minute later and he was up, walking into the bathroom and dousing himself with cold water. His morning routine in a civilized environment was a second nature to him, and he went through it with practiced elegance. After he had secured all his belongings, he turned on a small color television and settled to watch CNN. The Corporate News Network was full of propaganda of course, but after one knew to look past the bullshit it was probably one of the better services. He watched the news silently, his right hand clutching a power bar which he occasionally took a bite out off. His supply of power bars was getting low, which meant that soon he would have to start settling for less. He was not concerned, survival was one of the few things that he knew better than killing... **
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((I have to find a way to get his normal computer to have those status reports :p))
(369) arthurtuxedo: * * * Session 11 start * * *
(369) arthurtuxedo: * * * Or rather, started just before Enrique's post * * *
(370) Enrique: (^_^!)
** (367) Jack stares at Penny. "No. No, no. Please no. A world of no." **
** (368) Penny looks back innocently, "What?" She adjusts her hat a little more making sure to examine herself carefully in the mirror until she's satisfied that all is right. **
(367) Jack: Please tell me you're not going to be wearing that... that thing.
** (368) Penny stares, pouting a little. **
** (367) Jack shrugs. "Alright, suit yourself." Jack collects all the bags and heads out the door. "I think they're going to laugh." Penny follows behind, staring daggers into his back. They both wait by Gold for the others to join them. They still hadn't agreed on how to proceed. **
** (365) Steve woke, showered, took a leak, and got dressed. His formerly nice suit was a bit worse for wear, but he didn't have the money to get another one. He made sure he looked good, and lit up. He then went across the hall to check on Matt. **
(369) arthurtuxedo: (NOOOOOOOO!! They're all gonna laugh at you!)
(365) Steve: (lol)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: Matt rubbed his eyes. Today was not beginning well. Caffiene. He needed caffiene. Somewhere, in the cloud that enveloped his mind, he knew some important things were going on, but none of that mattered. What mattered was getting a hot cup of coffee, and getting it now. Once he was done with getting dressed after his shower, he left the motel room in a haze, not waiting for anyone or anything. There was a cafe. Cafes had coffee. Usually lots of it. It was down the street. He could follow the smell. He didn't need his glasses... "Damn," it was too late, he was already partway there. He could smell the grounds. He'd get his glasses later.
** (370) Enrique left his room and walked back towards the vehicles, the gear he had chosen to bring with him carried in tow. As he moved, his head slid from side to side as he took notice of buildings, balconies and alleys. It was second nature to him, but he did not expect violence at this particular time. He had spent a fair bit of time before sleep had reached considering their current situation. Matt was going to be dangled in front of the so called pirates like a worm on a hook. It was likely not as bad as he thought, but he worried nonetheless. He reached the vehicles and glanced around, securing his gear within before he looked around and began to search for his travelling companions. **
** (367) Jack and Penny watched as Matt lumbered past them and down the street. He didn't say a word or even acknowledge their existence. Penny looked at Jack. Jack looked at Penny. WIthout a word they decided to follow him. **
(365) Steve: :knock knock: No response. :pound pound: No response. Steve waited a split second longer before kicking in the hotel room door, gun drawn, fearing the worst. A quick sweep of the room revealed no Matt. Steve ran outside, frantically looking for the others.
(367) Jack: (at some point, someone will have to assume control of Ben. It'd be bad if we left him here.)
(369) arthurtuxedo: (Ben sleeps soundly in his bed as the hummers speed off.)
** (365) Steve spotted Enrique. "Where is he? Have you seen him? Anyone suspicious about?" **
(369) arthurtuxedo: (He is later devoured by horses)
(367) Jack: (KEVIN! ::insert movie about being left alone in KY)
(369) arthurtuxedo: Steve, of course, says this to Enrique with gun in hand.
(367) Jack: (and after bursting through his door)
(367) Jack: (disregard. I can't read gud)
(369) arthurtuxedo: (Well, it's in the parking lot)
(365) Steve: (lol)
(370) Enrique: It did not take much for him to catch Steve as he exited the the hotel room. Firstly, Steve was someone that was hard to miss even to strangers. There was something about him that tended to warn people that he was not someone to fuck around with. Secondly, his gun was drawn and that raised some eyebrows as well as startled a few of the locals. It was the sounds of startlement that made him look over his shoulder and catch steve. When he began running, immediately he understood that something was not right. His first thought was for Penny, but he reconsidered. Matt? He darted towards him a moment before Steve was speaking. His response immediate. "I have no idea, I just left the hotel room not that long ago." He paused. "What happened?" Was Matt missing? He doubted that if Matt was dead that Steve would be bothering for conversation...
(371) Matthew Guilliard: Matt could smell the coffee and the greasy, wonderful food within the diner. It took him a fair amount of fumbling to get in and open the door, much less find an empty seat at the counter. "Good morning sir, what can we get for you today?" a waitress who was far too perky for this hour asked. "Coffee. Black. Omlette. Please." "Sure thing, I'll be right back." Good. Fast service. Fastcoffee.
(365) Steve: "I don't know. He wasn't in his room. It didn't look like there was a struggle, but maybe it was a professional. Where are the others?"
** (368) Penny turns around, somehow know that soon enough Steve and Enrique would come charging up looking for Matt. **
** (365) Steve took some deep breaths, getting his calm back. Remember the training, don't get excited, that gets you dead. **
(367) Jack: "I don't know," Jack said suddenly. "He's not asleep so that's not it. Undead walking? Morning before waking walking?"
** (368) Penny laughed **
(369) arthurtuxedo: (Wait, what? I thought Penny and Jack followed Matt into the coffee shop)
(367) Jack: (TO the coffee shop, not in - not yet)
** (370) Enrique hesitated for only a moment but thought better of his immediate response. Steve -was- Matt's bodyguard, he had to know more about that sort of thing than he did. "Kidnapping?" He considered for a moment. "Ben is probably still with the humvees you know how he loves them. Penny and Jack should be together I expect." He paused. "did you ask around in the hotel lobby to see if anyone saw him leave? If not, I will do it and you go and try and get everyone together." His tone was firm, if Matt had indeed been taken. Then whoever did so was about to find out the hardway the depth of their mistake... **
(368) Penny: (do we all have radios? and can't steve and matt communicate without, you know, being together?)
(369) arthurtuxedo: (Doubt he would have brought a radio if he didn't even bother with his glasses)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((Matt left behind his glasses...guess what else he left behind ;) ))
(365) Steve: (only if he took his radio...right)
(367) Jack: (true enough, but what about steve and enrique?)
(365) Steve: "You go ask the desk clerk. I'll see if I can locate the others."
(367) Jack: (Or are they all vehicle mounted thingies? I thought we had enough for everyone to have handhelds.)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((I'm pretty sure we had handhelds))
(367) Jack: (I'm wrong, we don't. Only bulky things.)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((No walky-talkies?))
** (365) Steve looks in the Hummers first. (anyone dere?) **
(367) Jack: (oh wait, dere day are)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((Ben's sleeping in the hummer ;) ))
(367) Jack: (Yes, we have handhelds w/ earpieces and such)
(369) arthurtuxedo: Steve spots Matt through the window of the nearby coffee shop
(370) Enrique: "You got it." With those words said, he wasted no time in making his way back to the hotel. He moved with purpose, sprinting towards the hotel rather than walking. He moved inside the hotel, walked straight towards the clerk and waited until he had his attention. "Excuse me, I wanted to ask you if you had seen one of my friends leave the hotel." He paused for a moment, before offering a verbal description of Matt that was surprisingly detailed. He also stressed the fact that Matt wore glasses...Surely, such a man would be difficult to miss?
(367) Jack: (well, took me too long to find that out, otherwise it'd been penny to the rescue)
** (365) Steve breathes a mighty sigh of relief, then stalks over to the coffee shop, whilst holstering his firearm. **
(369) arthurtuxedo: "Hmm. Well I saw a guy like that walk out. No glasses, though, hair all messed up, hadn't shaved. I didn't look where he went."
(369) arthurtuxedo: (We should have decided earlier. Who's playing Ben?)
** (368) Penny points to Jack. **
** (367) Jack points to Penny. **
(365) Steve: (he should be community. Anyone who feels like making him say something should feel free)
(369) arthurtuxedo: (Hmm. That's not a bad idea)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: The waitress brought the coffee. It wasn't exactly gourmet, but it was loaded with all the right ingredients. The foul bitter taste he had grown to love swirled down his throat and almost instantly the fog in his mind began to clear. By the end of his first cup, he realized much more fully that his lack of clear vision wasn'
(369) arthurtuxedo: ("Ben jumps in front of the bullet intended for my character")
(367) Jack: 8D
(365) Steve: (rofl)
(369) arthurtuxedo: (Just as long as there's none of that :))
** (367) Ben makes sweet, sweet love to the Hummers. **
(371) Matthew Guilliard: (sorry, premature post, rewriting)
(367) Jack: (or that)
(369) arthurtuxedo: ("You've got it all wrong, that's the exhaust pipe, you want the intake valve")
(365) Steve: (omfg)
** (367) Jack and Penny walk into the coffee shop, taking a seat next to Matt and Steve. **
(367) Jack: (ditto)
** (370) Enrique paused for a moment and considered. What the fuck was Matt doing without his glasses? It had always seemed to him that Matt needed those glasses to function effectively. What was his vision again? 20/50? 20/100? He considered this for a moment before nodding. "I see. thank you for your time." He exited the hotel and looked around for Steve, once he did not see him he came to a stop. Alright, it did not seem that Matt had been kidnapped. If he had left in his own volition, it meant that he was out to fulfill something. Since he had never seen Matt drink, it suggested to him that he should try any stores in the area. And as such, he began the process... **
(371) Matthew Guilliard: The waitress brought the coffee. It wasn't exactly gourmet, but it was loaded with all the right ingredients. The foul bitter taste he had grown to love swirled down his throat and almost instantly the fog in his mind began to clear. By the end of his first cup, he realized much more fully that his lack of clear vision wasn't from being tired, but rather not having his glasses. He mutters to himself, but continues with his meal. The Omlette was amazingly good. In fact, it tasted like fresh eggs, straight from the farm. He had only experienced that taste once, when his boss had invited him to a classy business dinner a few months ago to enter into negotiations with another company.
(369) arthurtuxedo: It doesn't take Enrique long to spot the others in the coffee shop.
** (368) Penny grabs Jack's radio. She keys the mic, hoping the missing parties of the party are listening. @r "Hello?" **
** (365) Steve slides into the booth across from Matt, his eyes narrowed. "Do you realize you almost gave me a goddamn heart attack?" **
(368) Penny: (or art could jsut press the ff button)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((Good thing you got him after his first cup. Coherant sentences make conversation that much easier.))
** (365) Steve glances at Penny and Jack as they take a seat, and does a double take. "Nice hat. You fit in much better here than I do." **
(371) Matthew Guilliard: Matt blinked, his eyes trying vainly to focus on the blur that was Steve, "Oh, sorry. Guess I should have left a note or something. I'm not a hundred percent in the morning, I guess it slipped my mind. I guess it was the all-nighter. I always end up wrecked once I come down from one of those. Needed something to help get me back up," this said, he finished off his second cup and motioned to the waitress for a third.
** (368) Penny eyeballs Matt's food greedily. She un-casually nudges Jack to prompt him to do her bidding. **
** (370) Enrique made his way to the coffee shop and in good time spotted the others. He moved within the structure, glancing around for Steve before flashing him a look that suggested that he was thankful that the situation had been dealt with properly. A moment later, Steve was speaking and he settled to watch. Moments later he was asking for some coffee as well. A moment later, Jack and Penny made their way inside and he took a moment to admire Penny's new accessory before her interaction with Jack. He almost laughed but had to settle for a muffled chuckle as his coffe arrived. **
** (368) Penny smiles shyly at Steve's comment, hiding her eyes under the brim of the hat. **
(368) Penny: (we assume ben made his way here also)
(365) Steve: "Well, I'd really appreciate it if you leave a note next time, or let someone else know where you're going. It makes me look sloppy, and it could get you killed."
** (367) Jack orders a double stack of blueberry pancakes. **
(369) arthurtuxedo: (Jack gains +2 points of flab, loses 1 athleticism)
** (368) Penny quietly wishes Enrique a good morning. **
(370) Enrique: (o.O!)
** (367) Jack ((points at Penny. "They're hers.")) **
(369) arthurtuxedo: Ben strides in looking like he's been up for hours. He wordlessly takes a seat and begins ordering.
(367) Jack: (ahem, I took my turn, so don't look at me like that)
(365) Steve: While the waitress is still around, Steve orders. "Coffee, with a bit of milk. And some biscotti, if you have it."
(369) arthurtuxedo: In short order, everyone's food and drink are brought to them. The quality ranges from slightly above average to quite good.
(371) Matthew Guilliard: Matt nodded seriously, "Okay, I'll try to remember next time," in his mind, he made a note to make use of his pills a bit more when he had the chance. That done, he looks around at the new group of people coming in, "Oh, hello everyone. Good food here, might as well start the day right." He turns to Enrique and talks in a low voice, "So, Ben, how are the trucks?"
** (368) Penny rubs her hands together when the mountain of pancakes are placed in front of her. She hungrily dives in, devouring the top-most pancake. As soon as she finishes that one, she slides the plate to Jack. Jack shakes his head, even today. Penny always demanded far more pancakes than she could ever eat. **
** (367) Jack speaks between moutfuls. **
(370) Enrique: The Coffee was hot and black just the way he liked it, his head turning towards Penny for a moment as she spoke quietly and he nodded his head. The steaming cup pulled away from his lips before he replied. "good morning penny, nice hat." His words were sincere, and he watched her for a moment longer before he concentrated on his coffee once more. His head turned glancing towards Ben and he nodded his head in acknowledgement of his presence. Ben had been quiet as of late, and he was more than willing to give him the extra space he seemed to require. A moment later Matt was looking at him and commenting to Ben. He listened for a response from Ben before he offered his own question. "so Jack, are we going to try and get the negotiation started...today?" Personally, he did not mind staying in this place an extra day or two but they were on a deadline. Furthermore, those pirates had to be dealt with one way or another...
(367) Jack: So, how are we going to do this?
** (365) Steve finishes his cigarette and lights another, not caring if they're in the smoking section or not. He remained quiet, looking to listen and comment only if necessary. **
(367) Jack: I mean, it's a no brainer Matt's going to talk to them - but I got an edgy feeling about it.
** (368) Penny gives Enrique the same shy smile, adding a tiny "Thank you." **
(371) Matthew Guilliard: "Well, it's not going to be easy, but it could be worse," Matt turns to Penny,
(371) Matthew Guilliard: (grah, I hate this keyboard, mispost, retyping))
** (367) Jack ((cuts off Matt's right pinky)) **
(367) Jack: (That should help)
** (365) Steve drains his coffee cup, and realizes he still has a piece of biscotti left. He offers it to Penny. **
** (370) Enrique he waited for a moment before realizing that without his glasses, Matt was obviously confused as to his identity. "umm, Jack ben is to my left. You really should consider contacts you know..." His tone was jovial. A moment later, he was glancing towards Jack and rolled his shoulders. "Its a necessary evil at this point. If we plan on moving forward, we have to deal with the pirates. All that we can do is hope that a fair settlement can be reached." He could not guarantee much of anything on this situation so he did not. "We wll try and do all we can to make sure all of us get where we are supposed to go in one piece." Which was the whole point. He did not truly know these people very well, but they were allies at worst. Some were more, some were not. **
(371) Matthew Guilliard: "Well, it's not going to be easy, but it could be worse," Matt turns to Penny, "I'll admit, I don't like the situation much myself, but it has to be done."
** (368) Penny shakes her head adamantly. "No thanks." (Your big cock was more than enough last night.) **
(365) Steve: "Sure? It's really good."
(365) Steve: (jesus)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: Matt looks towards Enrique slightly confused, then shakes his head and laughs, "no, I already tried contacts, they don't make them strong enough, really. Plus I don't like putting things in my eye. Just feels, well, ugh."
** (368) Penny politely refuses, then she stares back at Matt. She waits a beat before realizing Matt wasn't talking to her. **
(367) Jack: I know it has to be done. I'm just saying we need to find a way to cover his ass while he talks to them.
** (365) Steve shrugs, and eats the biscotti. He calls the waitress back over and orders an "irish" coffee. **
(371) Matthew Guilliard: Matt turns back to Penny again, "Well, an advance scout might not be a bad idea, but I'd rather keep most everyone else out of sight if at all possible," Matt then turns to Jack. "Remember, eat well, you'll probably have to do a lot of driving today, and some of it might have to be rather fast."
** (365) Steve decides to participate. "I can be the forward scout, but Enrique should take a sniper's position." **
** (368) Penny 's eyes go wide until she again realizes that Matt isn't talking to her. **
** (370) Enrique focused his attention on Matt for the time being. The exchanges between Steve and Penny easily heard, but he paid them no mind. He was far more concerned with the business of their pressing obstacles to consider any secondary problems, personal or imagined. He laughe softly as Matt explained his aversion to the contact lens idea. He was a very unusual corporate, he supposed that was why he tolerated his presence. His mind reminded him that Matt was a former corporate, but it was still an idea that had not fully sunk in yet. "I see. I have had few compunctions about embracing technologies that would improve my quality of life." Which was true. The cybernetics within him right now were ample proof of that. Still, they were not talking about him. "Absolutely." He paused for a moment glancing towards Jack. "But our options are limited even in that regard." A moment after Matt spoke, he reconsidered and ordered something to eat. If he was going to be crawling through the woods, might as well be in the process of digesting something good. **
(365) Steve: "Everyone else should be ready to go at a moment's notice."
(370) Enrique: "Yeah, I am more than willing to play the role." It was one of those things that he simply did very well. Everyone had gifts, this just happened to be one of his. One that he had ruthlessly exploited over his years of service to Carlos. His order arrived and he wasted no time in tearing into it with significant gusto. It was not much, but it was good.
** (368) Penny speaks up "What about the other logistics? If Matt goes alone, is it really feasible to have," she does the math in her head "three more people in a vehicle that barely accomodates four?" **
(365) Steve: "Which means you need to be wired, Matt." (for detonation!)
(367) Jack: (yeah baby, yeah! boom, baby!)
(365) Steve: "He'll take my bike."
(371) Matthew Guilliard: Matt frowns, turning to Steve, "I'm not sure. If we did that, we'd lose an entire truck unless we split the crew from the other, and even then, it's not going to be fully manned. I'd like to keep the risk to the group down to as little as possible."
** (368) Penny makes a circle with her mouth, "Oh." **
(370) Enrique: (the bike is lucky you know. ^_~)
(365) Steve: (yar, it attracts bullets)
(368) Penny: (yes, it worked so well against the valkyries)
(365) Steve: (hey, what happened to Penny's pink text?)
(365) Steve: (I want pink, goddammit!)
(370) Enrique: (hee hee)
(368) Penny: (hard to read against a grey background, or white even)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: "Right, I'd take the bike and go up that way alone, maybe with one other. I don't mind being wired, and it's not as if we have to worry about them really caring, it's not like we're cops trying to bust them, after all."
** (365) Steve nods. **
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((Enrique wants Penny to negotiate. He'll drive her up on the bike, get some alone time, as it were."
(367) Jack: We're agreed then?
(365) Steve: (Over Steve's empty M8 clip)
** (370) Enrique looked up from his nearly empty plate and glanced towards steve and matt. "Okay. so who is going?" **
(371) Matthew Guilliard: "Sounds good," It was now Matt's sixth cup of coffee. He was feeling ready to face the day with the caffiene flowing through his veins and food in his stomach. Mostly the caffiene, but that was the point, wasn't it? "We'll figure out the specifics back at the trucks. I need to get my things together and prepare myself for the fun later today."
** (367) Jack drops some money on the table (the appropriate amount, natch) before getting out of the booth. **
(367) Jack: No time like the now.
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((Matt bolts for the door without paying! SUCK ON THAT PLEBS!))
(370) Enrique: "works for me." He spoke frankly, making sure to assassinate the last remnants of food in his plate before he motioned for the bill. His eyes scanned over it, and he paid in cash leaving a generous tip for the waitress. A moment later he stood, stretched slightly and began to walk towards the exit. Afterwards, he made his way to the trucks and settled to wait and see what decision was chosen.
(370) Enrique: (oiy.)
(368) Penny: [1d10+8-9+12-8] -> [1,8,-9,12,-8] = (4)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: Matt nods towards Penny and pulls out some money, turning to Steve, slightly embarassed, "Um, could you count out how much the bill is?"
(368) Penny: (that means nothing)
(368) Penny: (Steve stomps on the floor with his right foot five times.)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((...out of the wallet. Can't see the money. ~_~))
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((Wisenhiemer :p))
** (365) Steve sat and watched as everyone got up to leave. He took the bill from Matt, and paid for his coffee, Matt and Penny's meals, leaving a 15% tip as well. "Taken care of." **
(367) Jack: 8D
(367) Jack: (ha ha! sucker! you paid for a meal that was already paid for!)
(365) Steve: (then Jack owes me money. Or pounds of flesh, whichever he prefers)
(369) arthurtuxedo: So the group gets themselves ready to set out, and by 10 AM is ready to go.
(368) Penny: :thumbsup:
(367) Jack: You're sure about this, Matt?
** (367) Jack looks from Matt to Steve and back. **
(367) Jack: Or am I being too paranoid?
(365) Steve: "Don't get me wrong, I wish I could go with him. But I'm not cut out for starting negotiations, just ending them."
(371) Matthew Guilliard: Matt gathers his things together, putting in his "hearing aids" and donning his glasses once more. Once he's loaded into the truck, he looks at Jack and Penny...more specifically the hat Penny was wearing. The color was the only thing he really saw before, and he thought it was Jack, getting some, well, local color. He approaches Penny unsurely, slightly embarassed, "Were you, um, wearing that hat in the diner, earlier?"
** (368) Penny nods **
(367) Jack: (local color? once you go black you never go back?)
(370) Enrique: "If we want to go on pass, we have to deal with these people. There does not seem to be another alternative." It was a pity the humvees were not capable of transversing a body of water as effectively as other vehicles options but that was in the past, and he still felt that the humvees had proven and would prove their worth down the line.
(365) Steve: (no, local color, man. Once you go horse you can only do worse)
(369) arthurtuxedo: (No!)
(365) Steve: (awww)
(367) Jack: (...)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: Matt sighs and shakes his head, groaning slightly, "I'm sorry for the confusion." lifting up his glasses, he rubs the bridge of his nose and turns to Jack. "Right. I doubt that it's going to be safe for me, but I also don't think we have much of a choice. Might as well get it over with, right? Besides, you should see some of the hostile takeovers we've managed. Not a whole lot safer, just more polite.
** (367) Jack shrugs slightly. "Okay, then." **
(369) arthurtuxedo: The mayor comes out briefly to say his goodbyes. He winks at Penny before he turns to leave.
** (368) Penny fidgits with the hem of her pants for a moment. She watches as Matt makes his arrangements. Before he can leave, she takes his arm and urges him to be careful. **
** (368) Penny tips her hat to the mayor, grinning foolishly. **
(371) Matthew Guilliard: "I'll take the bike, and I'll bring a shotgun and a pistol with me, as proof of our willingness to barter and availability of goods. It's usually not a good idea to bring everything with you. I'll bring a box or two of ammo as well, in case they want that. I promise, I won't sell the farm," Matt smiles and winks, this is getting into more of his field.
(369) arthurtuxedo: The hummers start up readily, and the group gets underway. The drivers immediately notice a reduction in acceleration, and some time later notice a drop in mileage. Both of these effects were known up front, of course.
(365) Steve: (No they weren't! We demand our money back!! RRAAAARGH!!)
(370) Enrique: (heh.)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: Matt smiles to Penny and nods. "I will be. Remember, if something goes wrong, get out of danger as quickly as you can."
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((God damn it, it's a conspiracy! They couldn't sell their moonshine, so now they made it fuel! God damn it all!))
** (368) Penny casts her eyes downward, knowing what that statement really meant. **
** (370) Enrique the reduction in acceleration was expected but experiencing it was a completely different sensation. They had given up performance for convenience, which at this particular junction seemed to have been a necessary evil. Afterall, it did not matter how well the humvee could perform if the fuel it needed could not be acquired. **
(365) Steve: On the way to the bridge, Steve reconfigures his M8 into the light machine gun config, and packs an extra ammo box. He makes sure his Walther is locked and loaded as well.
(369) arthurtuxedo: (It's about a 5 or 6 hour drive to the Mississippi from Lexington, is it not? That's what I guesstimate from Google maps.)
(367) Jack: (Jack takes the jumpseat of Gold, manning the mounted SAW)
(367) Jack: (maybe not that much)
** (365) Steve also makes sure to remove his stash from the bike, just in the case the pirates decide they like it. **
(367) Jack: (whoops, just looked. given the state of the vehicles, 6 hours is a minimum time)
(367) Jack: (hang on, I mucked up)
(369) arthurtuxedo: (Distance looks about the same as from San Francisco to the far end of Yosemite, and that's probably about a 5 hour trip)
(365) Steve: (given the prior knowledge of the trip length estimate, I picked up a deck of cards in town)
** (370) Enrique was calm all things considered. His hands carefully adjusting the various tools of his trade. The base colors of the guillie suit was being adjusted via an electronic attachment which allowed the fabric to change hue much like the way his own hair could manage. He glanced out of the window every so often, taking into consideration the patterns and colors of the surrounding foliage. His rifle was fully prepared and loaded, eventhough he hoped that it did not come to be necessary. If he shot in anger, Matt would almost certainly die...assuming that he was not dead when he fired to begin with. His craft was something that he respected utterly, and he refused to cause any mistakes. A mistake on the stalk could lead to his immediate demise and he was far too invested in life to afford himself a chance at death. **
** (365) Steve busies himself with solitaire. (unless Enrique wants to have a 2-players poker game) **
(367) Jack: (sorry, lexington to louisville ky is roughly a 2 hour trip in modern condisiton)
(367) Jack: (conditions)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((It'd actually be pretty interesting if Matt got killed in this outing. I'd cry the tears of shame and regret, but it would be interesting.))
(369) arthurtuxedo: (But if you crossed there, you'd also have to cross the Missouri, right?)
** (370) Enrique by the time that he was satisfied with his arrangement, Steve had produced as if by magic a deck of cards. He arched a brow, and asked what games Steve felt comfortable playing. A moment later, they were both engaged in a game of poker. He was not the best card player around, but he had a firm understanding of the foundation and had played poker before. If anything it was a good method to lower tension. **
(365) Steve: (magic, mother fucker!)
(370) Enrique: (:P)
(367) Jack: (hmm, where are we crossing the mississippi art? I may have miscalculated on which routes we were taking)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((Okay, so then. Enrique comes up part of the way and goes hidy mchiderson, I go up the rest of the way. Matt's going to argue to Steve to stay behind this time, if just for the greater safety of the group.))
(369) arthurtuxedo: (It's up to you. If you want to cross at Louisville, then that's only a couple of hours away)
(365) Steve: (and Steve is going to disagree vehemently, and argue that the Valkyrie ambush wasn't his fault, and he would be more careful this time)
(369) arthurtuxedo: (If you were to go to Memphis, that would take longer)
(367) Jack: (well, I thought louisville not realizing that we'd have to cross two rivers. Memphis is further, but only one river.)
(367) Jack: (and they already have cards out and everything)
(367) Jack: (class, anyone? opinion?)
(370) Enrique: (US geography is not my strong point sadly. ;_;)
(367) Jack: (maps.google.com is your new friend)
(365) Steve: (Don't look at me. I just work here)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((Right then, and into text)) "Steve, look, it's not about the Valkyries, it's about keeping the trucks manned and gunned. Ben's already going to have to come over to this truck to keep it operational, but he can only man one position at a time. Look, worst case scenario, they overpower me and try to hold me hostage. You're in a better position to get me out of it if you're with everyone else. Besides, the more people with me, the harder it's going to get for me to negotiate, it's just that simple."
(369) arthurtuxedo: The group heads for Memphis, so that they only have to cross a natural barrier once.
(367) Jack: (any way I slice this, I'm talking to myself in Gold. :(
** (365) Steve sat quietly steaming, staring at his shitty hand, thinking of possible rebuttals. Damn him and his logic, nothing he could say made any sense, only on an emotional level. "Fine." **
(369) arthurtuxedo: After about 5 hours on the road, they stop in Nashville to refill. True to the Lexington soldier's word, gasoline is quite scarce the farther inland you go, and the price in Nashville is $25 per gallon, while alcohol fule is $2 per gallon.
** (370) Enrique he listened to the exchanges between Matt and Steve in silence. He was smart enough to realize that this had to be settled between the two men. It was a situation where he would certainly not intervene with his opinions, beliefs and conjectures. If Matt could not convince Steve, then he might throw in his two cents on the matter. However, he felt that Matt had the right idea. If Matt was caught, they would need Steve to break him out of his captivity. If for whatever reason Matt and himself perished, who was left to keep Jack and Penny out of trouble? Now that he had time to think, he was once more uncertain as to the relationship if any between Steve and Penny. Nonetheless, that it existed was beyond reproach and that Penny preferred Steve was not in question. **
(365) Steve: "I fold."
(368) Penny: (mew)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((As per usual ;) ))
(365) Steve: (get bent)
** (370) Enrique said nothing when Steve folded his hand. It was how things should be... **
(371) Matthew Guilliard: Matt had other reasons, other things he was going to say, but he didn't want to bring them up here. Not in front of Enrique, it was something personal to Steve, and it wasn't Matt's business to make it public. "Good. I'll be careful, Steve, I promise."
(369) arthurtuxedo: The refuel costs $100 for both vehicles, a far cry from the gasoline refills that used to cost $550, even at New York prices.
(367) Jack: (bathroom breaks and stretching all around)
(365) Steve: "I'll hold you to that. You stay safe, no matter what happens. I'll be damned if you do anything stupid again."
(369) arthurtuxedo: Nashville is a fairly quiet place, and seems inviting, if a little downbeat, but the group has no time to see the sights, and gets on the road again in short order.
** (370) Enrique glanced towards his right, looking past a window to the fill up prices and blinking. "well, looks like the little modifications are paying for themselves." 100 dollars was change in comparison to what they would have paid in standard gas. **
(371) Matthew Guilliard: Matt smiles at the difference in costs. Sure, this stuff disappeared faster than donuts in a staff meeting, but it was hard to argue with the price.
(369) arthurtuxedo: (Gas refill would have been $1,250)
(365) Steve: (holy shnikes)
(370) Enrique: (o.o)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: Matt nodded and smiled, "Well, I'll make it the new Mission Statment, how's that?"
(367) Jack: (we could buy our own refinery for that! // who's going to run it kid, you? // you bet! i'm not such a bad refinery worker myself. we don't have to sit here and listen to this!)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((lol))
(365) Steve: (that's great)
** (365) Steve gave him a look that let him know he was serious, and then returned the smile. **
(369) arthurtuxedo: Shortly after the sun goes down, the group pulls into Memphis, not really knowing what to expect. The city is large and thriving, although it seems to be pretty chaotic. There seems to be a buffer zone of about a mile where the city stops and the river of about a mile. A rough estimate would place the population of this city at about 100,000 people.
(367) Jack: (wow, that's not a lot of people)
(369) arthurtuxedo: (*Third sentence should read "There seems to be a buffer zone of about a mile between the city and the river")
(369) arthurtuxedo: (It is when 95% of the population is gone)
(369) arthurtuxedo: (Even New York is only a few million)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((Are the pirates in the city itself, or are they further along?))
(369) arthurtuxedo: The city does not seem to be controlled by any outside group. In fact, it doesn't seem to be controlled by anyone at all, although it's not in the state of utter anarchy like some areas of New York where no gang is in firm ownership)
(369) arthurtuxedo: There are some guys that seem to be policing, but it seems to be up to each neighborhood to pay some people and give them guns.
(369) arthurtuxedo: Needless to say, places with a lot of businesses and visitors are very well ordered, while other sections of the city are fit only for the truly badass or the truly suicidal
(367) Jack: @r "Think we could find a safe place to rest so we can start early in the morning? I'd rather do what needs doing in the light of day."
(369) arthurtuxedo: (The group is just pulling into the main part of the city, having driven briefly through the outskirts)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: @R "Might not be a bad idea, but we'll have to be more careful here than our last pit stop. Nobody goes out alone, and we'll have regular shifts watching our gear and the trucks. This close to trouble, I don't want to take chances."
(367) Jack: @r "Right, then. Holler if something catches your eye."
(367) Jack: (We look for a place that appears reputable.)
(370) Enrique: "sounds like an adequate set of preparations." He nodded, his eyes sliding carefully over the city as they approached.
(369) arthurtuxedo: Another refueling is in order for $100. Gas is $30 per gallon here.
(367) Jack: (feh! why couldn't we have bought the nuclear powered humvees!)
(367) Jack: (nukular, even!)(
(371) Matthew Guilliard: @R "We'll fuel up first. Then we'll look for a decent place to stay close to the business area."
** (367) Jack double clicks the mic, acknowledging the last transmission **
(365) Steve: @R "I'll take first watch tonight."
(369) arthurtuxedo: Motels dot the landscape here and there. The ones in the central business district are quite pricey, but the group finally finds one in a safe area just outside the downtown with reasonable prices.
(367) Jack: (do they put wafer thin mints on the pillows?)
(365) Steve: (no, just roaches)
(367) Jack: (mmm!)
(365) Steve: (Yeah, they're the big-ass hissing ones. They taste like chicken!)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((Is there any sort of view towards the river from the motel?))
(369) arthurtuxedo: (You can request a room with a river view)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((Okay, I'll do that then))
** (370) Enrique considered as they found a motel that was right for their needs. When Steve spoke he nodded. "your call." Personally, he did not mind taking some time to relax some more and maybe see some sights before his shift arrived. **
** (367) Jack settles in, making sure to set his watch to alarm when it's time for him to take over guarding the gear. Penny falls fast asleep without a word. **
(369) arthurtuxedo: It is now 10 PM.
** (365) Steve has changed his M8 over to Carbine config for patrol duty. **
(367) Jack: (afk a sec)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: Matt watches the river for a bit, using his glasses to get a better view of it, zooming in, flipping between the UV, Thermal, and Night Vision modes. All the while, he'd check his radio, every so often putting out a call to check on everyone's status. Maybe it was the proximity, or the continued exposure to danger, but he was feeling a little more on edge and protective tonight.
(367) Jack: (or he was contemplating his own mortality and didn't feel like being alone on this, possibly his last night on earth.)
(365) Steve: @R "It's all clear, Matt. Get some sleep, you'll need it."
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((Haha, something like that, perhaps :p))
(367) Jack: (jack will take second watch)
(369) arthurtuxedo: Zooming in and scanning in various modes, Matt sees a very impressive military force guarding the river, but it slowly dawns on Matt that there must have been a tremendous battle recently, as many of the vehicles look to have been hit by explosives, there are small craters everywhere, and there are many small fires.
(371) Matthew Guilliard: Matt frowns and furrows his brow as the realization hits him. He couldn't be sure of the exact time, but he was fairly confident of the cause. The pit in his stomach was growing. The answers could wait until tomorrow, but he was afraid of the answers, and more than ever, he was glad that Steve wouldn't be by his side for this.
(367) Jack: O_o
** (367) Jack 's alarm goes off at the appointed time. Penny barely stirs as Jack slowly rouses himself, gets dressed and heads out to relieve Steve. **
** (367) Jack nods to Steve, mumbling a greeting. It's far too early to be coherent much less civilized. **
(367) Jack: (ben gets a good night's rest, free from the distraction of guarding, well, everything)
** (365) Steve smiles at the disheveled, sleepyheaded Jack. "I'll hang out until you wake up." **
(371) Matthew Guilliard: Uneasily, Matt goes to sleep, knowing that he'd need rest for tomorrow. He left his pills on the bedstand, along with a glass of water. It wouldn't do to run around this city in a daze in the morning.
** (370) Enrique made his way to the room that was to be his for the night. He was not taking the first shift, and if he was needed he was certain that someone would try and get in contact with him via radio. He dropped his bag near the bed, closing the door and locking it behind him. He inspected the room, looking for anything that was out of place before he laid down on the bed and closed his eyes. He had been almost loooking forward to a stalk, but now they were here and it was probably for the best. He had asked for a room with a river view and realized that he might as well enjoy it. The lights on his room remained off as he moved near the balcony and settled to watch the body of water. The air was cool, probably in proximity to the waterfront and he smiled faintly. For a second, it almost seemed as if he was on another world... **
** (367) Jack busies himself with inspecting both hummers and all the gear on the trailer. He assures himself that everything is in good order. He alternates sitting on either vehicle and walking around, being sure to scrutinize every shadow and sound that he can. **
(367) Jack: (None Shall Pass.)
** (365) Steve yawned powerfully, and slapped Jack on the back. "I'm off, then. G'night." **
** (367) Jack mutters what can only be "Goodnight" though it doesn't exactly sound like anything particularly human. **
** (370) Enrique time passed slowly and he found himself enjoying the sound of the water as the minutes blended together into a seamless whole. He retreated back into the room, and wasted a bit of time before the television before his watch announced to him that his shift was up. He paused for a moment, considering before he stood from the chair and helped himself to a glass of water. Afterwards, he was heading back downstairs. On his way there, he decided to see how on top of things Jack was and tried to sneak up towards him. One had to know afterall... **
(370) Enrique: (:P)
(370) Enrique: [1d10+20] -> [10,20] = (30)
(367) Jack: (sec)
(370) Enrique: (stealth)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((Jesus))
(367) Jack: (what's my counter roll?)
(369) arthurtuxedo: As Steve is walking back, but before he reaches the door, Jack notices a few suspicious figures slinking along in the shadows across the street, seeming to take an unhealthy interest in the hummers. That they are openly carrying weapons does not ease tensions
(367) Jack: (I guess it doesn't matter. 6+8=10 is only 24)
(365) Steve: (do I notice them?)
(367) Jack: (+10=24)
(370) Enrique: (the hell you say. mmm...tasty.)
(367) Jack: (oh, right)
** (367) Jack calls to STeve, in a clearer voice. "Hey Steve." **
(369) arthurtuxedo: (Not unless Jack calls out... nevermind)
** (365) Steve stops and turns. "What's up?" **
(367) Jack: 8D
** (367) Jack turns to face Steve. **
(367) Jack: Don't look now, but there're some characters who seem to want what we have.
** (367) Jack indicates with a slight nod of his head where Steve should look. **
(367) Jack: (what I wouldn't give to have M6 here right now.)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((to end us quickly?))
** (365) Steve pretends to check his watch, but actually aims his wrist camera at the designated spot. **
(369) arthurtuxedo: Enrique notices the men, too, though neither Jack nor Steve notice Enrique.
** (370) Enrique was making good progress on his stalk towards Jack when he came to a stop in mid approach. He came to a stop crouched in nearby shadows and glanced towards their guests. His goggles were slid over his eyes and he utilized their features to good effect. He was particularly interested in their numbers and armament, taking a moment to consider what would be the best approach possible should the need arise to...intervene. **
(365) Steve: (how many? three? more?)
(369) arthurtuxedo: (5 of them. They seem pretty unsavory, and are wearing body armor uniforms and carrying M8 carbines.)
** (365) M6-41 says, "I swear by my pretty floral bonnet, I will end you." **
** (367) Jack clutches his MP5 close. While Steve examines the perps, he moves the switch from "safe" to "3 burst". **
(365) Steve: Satisfied with his look at the group of ne'erdowells, Steve walks over closer to Jack. "Well, we've got plenty of what they need. Assuming that's lead."
** (370) Enrique frowned as he caught sight of the numbers and their armament. Suddenly, his original idea to move in close and deal with them with his pistol was not looking as possible. He considered for a moment before gentling placing down the bag he had been carrying and slowly and carefully unzipping it. He was not moving around inside the motel with his rifle on his back. That was both silly and dangerous. As such he began the process of removing the rifle and slowly sliding in the silencer. After this way done...he would be ready for business. **
(367) Jack: I don't know why they just didn't attack you when they had the chance.
** (367) Jack sighs wearily **
(369) arthurtuxedo: One of the men calls out. "Hey there, strangers. That's a nice truck you got yerself there."
** (367) Jack looks at Steve. Jack could only think of smart ass things to say. **
(365) Steve: "Why thanks. We like it."
** (367) Jack whispers "Very diplomatic. Just what I'd expect from a corpy." **
(369) arthurtuxedo: He scans around as he talks, obviously looking for others hiding in the shadows, but he satisfies himself that Jack and Steve are the only two.
** (365) Steve grins slightly, partially revealing his teeth. **
(369) arthurtuxedo: The man recoils slightly at that, but a quick glance to his friends fills him with confidence again. "You really shouldn't park that out here where everyone can see it."
(367) Jack: (how about I park my foot up your ass)
** (370) Enrique had the rifle in his hands and was slowly sliding the silencer into position when the words began to be heard. His boosted hearing allowing him to listen to the conversation as if he were right alongside Jack and Steve. He smiled thinly, staying within the shadows as he worked. Moments later, rifle in hand he adjusted his position. Moving himself behind the side of a stoop. It would grant him some cover should the lead fly, and allow him to carry out his grim business. The rifle was moved slowly, a familiar shape pressing against his right shoulder as he aimed it towards his targets. He did not fire. Not yet. Perhaps there would be no need... **
** (365) Steve 's smile fades, and he adopts a confused look. "Well, this hotel doesn't have a garage. Why, what's wrong with having it parked here?" **
(369) arthurtuxedo: Enrique observantly notices the barrel of the Para SAW quietly poke out through the blinds in Ben's room, covering the thugs.
(365) Steve: (oh snap!)
(367) Jack: (arriba!)
(370) Enrique: (lol. ^_~)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((Oh dear, I don't think this is going to end well))
(367) Jack: (any bloodbath you can walk away from is a good one)
(369) arthurtuxedo: The men seem very worried, but not about Jack and Steve. After a few whispers, the leader pipes up again. "Look, I'm gunna cut this short. We need one of those, and you ain't in no position to stop us. So git!"
** (367) Jack looks at Steve and laughs **
(369) arthurtuxedo: The men don't seem to know what to do. That wasn't the response they expected.
** (365) Steve pretends to be shocked. "Wh- Surely you jest! My good men, these trucks are ours. If you would like to arrange a purchase, perhaps my group and yours can reach an agreement." **
(370) Enrique: (okay, time for some mild intervention.)
(365) Steve: "We accept cash." Steve smiles broadly, showing all of his teeth.
(367) Jack: (and blood!)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((Plenty of that tonight, I'm thinking))
(369) arthurtuxedo: One of the men whispers something to the leader, and the leader nods.
** (370) Enrique was hearing every little thing that was occurring. Frankly, Steve and Jack were doing an admirable job but he did not wish to risk one of these men getting antsy and plugging one of his friends. Ben seemed to be on top of things, and if it came down to murder so be it. He however had a better idea. His rifle tracked, moving away from the head of the apparent leader of the unknowns and settling on his left knee. He waited for a second and then another, his eyes focusing on the target as he took a breath and held it. His right index finger pressed the trigger slightly, the trigger giving way slightly before he pulled past the threshold. His rifle whispered its intentions, the recoil kicking against his shoulder slightly. The armor piercing round covered the distance fro, the rifle to the lead speaker's knee in fractions of a second. "Hello bitch." Enrique thought. **
(370) Enrique: (^_^! hope that works)
(367) Jack: (don't roll a 1)
(370) Enrique: [1d10+20] -> [5,20] = (25)
(369) arthurtuxedo: The stillness of the night is broken by the crack of a supersonic rifle round.
(370) Enrique: [1d10] -> [2] = (2)
** (367) Jack moves reflexively, heading for the nearest cover (hummer?) **
(369) arthurtuxedo: Audio filters reduce is to a reasonable level, but anyone without them will have ringing ears for a minute.
(369) arthurtuxedo: (No severity roll for a called shot, we know what the severity is because we know where it hit :) )
(370) Enrique: (oooh! woot! it was a silenced shot by the way. ^_^)
(369) arthurtuxedo: The man collapses instantly as he screams.
(365) Steve: "Oh, I'm sorry, it appears your attitude rubbed my friends the wrong way," Steve chuckles. "Terribly sorry about that, but I don't think we can work out a deal."
** (367) Jack raises his MP5, sighting in on one hapless ganger. [Bad dice format] - [aiming] **
(369) arthurtuxedo: For some reason, the men don't return fire, but run frantically instead, deserting their spokesman.
(367) Jack: (if they run, they're VC.)
** (370) Enrique nearly beamed at the reaction his intervention elicited. He remained unmoving however, uncertain if this was a genuine retreat or something else entirely. **
(371) Matthew Guilliard: Matt stays asleep through the first shot, his body overriding his brain's desire to get up easily. However, his sleep becomes even more restless, and he begins to toss and turn violently.
** (365) Steve 's smile and jocular attitude disappears. He covers the downed man with his rifle, and slowly moves forward. "You move, and you die. Your friends come back, you die, and so do they. Understand me so far?" **
(369) arthurtuxedo: The leader, in his wounded state of mind, brings his rifle up to fire as soon as he is able. Ben lets loose.
(369) arthurtuxedo: [1d10 + 17 - 11] -> [8,17,-11] = (14)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((Sugah, you just went and did the dumbest thing in your life))
(369) arthurtuxedo: In the burst of 6 shots, all 6 hit.
(367) Jack: (mmm, ground meat! burgers for everyone!)
(369) arthurtuxedo: The man's armor slows the rounds, but do not stop them, and he goes down in a heap.
(370) Enrique: (ewwww.)
** (365) Steve strides forward, placing the barrel of his rifle at the back of the man's head. A double tap later, he brings his rifle back up, and scans in the direction the others ran off to. **
(369) arthurtuxedo: The others don't come back. Soon, people watch from their balconies and their windows in detached interest.
** (367) Jack rises from his position. "Well, they certainly were friendly." **
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((Clean up, aisle twelve! Pendajo in a body bag))
(365) Steve: "Sorry to wake you folks, just a little misunderstanding. It's over now, go back to sleep."
** (367) Jack looks up to the window where Ben was staying. He gives Ben a wave. **
** (370) Enrique winced slightly as the man on the floor made an effort to shoot his gun, a moment later a series of shots landed upon him and he was quite obviously dead. He felt a moment of irritation at the fact that the man had been so foolish. Still, it was nice not to feel responsible for his death. His head turned, glancing around the area almost expecting a return of those that had ran. When their expected return did not materialize he shrugged and stood from his corner, rifle in hand. He walked towards Jack and Steve, speaking softly. "figures that the one time I decide to be merciful, the bastards spits on my generosity." He glaned towards the window where Ben had been and waves as Jack does so. A moment later, he smiled cheerfully. "gentlemen, I am willing to releave you now." **
(369) arthurtuxedo: Ben waves back, but a few seconds later everyone hears the sounds of a few vehicles approaching at high speed.
(365) Steve: "Here comes the cavalry."
(367) Jack: Yay?
** (367) Jack takes a position near the entrance to the lobby of the hotel. **
** (365) Steve shoots Jack a look. "I'm thinking nay." **
(367) Jack: Why do they always want to do things the hard way? Why not just once, JUST ONCE!, when you shoot their leader they stay scattered like the cockroaches they are.
(369) arthurtuxedo: Three armored pickup trucks approach, each with extended flatbeds full of troops dressed just like the dead man, but they don't seem hostile in the slightest. The lead truck pulls up, and the passenger looks at the group, and then at the dead man. Nobody has weapons ready.
** (365) Steve nods to Enrique. "Thanks." He looks to Ben's window and give the thumbs up. **
** (367) Jack relaxes **
(369) arthurtuxedo: "Who the fuck are you guys?" The leader asks directly.
(365) Steve: (A traveling band of clowns. Happy, funny clowns)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((We're BATMAN))
(367) Jack: We're Jehovah's fucking Witnesses. Who the fuck are you? (ha ha!)
(365) Steve: "Us? We're nobody. Just passing through."
** (370) Enrique frowned a moment later, his jovial expression turning sour. "shit. guess that was a bit premature no?" A moment later, the pickup trucks are approaching and he does not have the sort of time that he needs to set up. Steve managed to speak before he did, so he settled to listening for a moment while salvaging whatever he could from the situation. **
(369) arthurtuxedo: "Very funny. Well, doesn't matter. You killed that deserter piece of shit, so I guess we owe you one. Where'd his friends go?"
(365) Steve: "That way." He points.
** (367) Jack points to the left and the right, indicating everywhere. **
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((Yeah, here's a shock, they ran like roaches after the light's turned on :p))
(369) arthurtuxedo: One of the men in the flatbed hollars "Found one!" and the three pickups race off toward the runners.
(365) Steve: "Hey, wait a second!...Damn. Did he just say they owed us one? I wonder if they could help us cross the bridge."
** (367) Jack watches as the soldiers drive off. **
** (367) Jack shrugs **
(367) Jack: Are you going to chase them down?
(365) Steve: "No. You can try, if you want."
** (367) Jack looks to where the trucks disappeared into the night. "Nah. I don't think he wanted a commited relationship." **
(369) arthurtuxedo: (Everybody should have been awaken by Ben's burst and Steve's double-tap, even if they slept through Enrique's knee shot)
(365) Steve: (What kinds of armor and weapons does the dead deserter have? Is it tradable?)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((even with the Heavy sleeper flaw))
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((?))
(369) arthurtuxedo: (Oh, well maybe not)
(367) Jack: (Penny has a +8 to sleep)
** (370) Enrique blinked as the trucks drove off almost as quickly as they came. "well, that is that." he had caught the exchange, glanciing towards Steve for a moment. "Maybe we will see him again when we try and cross." He shrugged. **
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((Yeah, don't worry, it'll make Matt's little dream even worse))
(370) Enrique: ((o.O))
(367) Jack: (ay, papi)
(365) Steve: "I dunno, Jack. He gave you the once over. I think he liked you." Steve grins slyly.
(370) Enrique: (X_X!! si! es my grande!}}
(369) arthurtuxedo: The deserter's equipment is pretty good. He's carrying an M8 in carbine configuration and wearing some decent body armor.
(367) Jack: (if a bit ... er .. used)
** (367) Jack looks at Steve out of the corner of his eye **
(369) arthurtuxedo: He's also carrying a walkie-talkie, some spare mags, and two frag grenades.
(367) Jack: (add ++ grinning slightly)
** (365) Steve chuckles. **
(367) Jack: I guess we can add this to our collection. 'Tis better to receive and all that.
(369) arthurtuxedo: But as good as his equipment was, his training was obviously not up to match. His actions were like those of a thug, not a soldier.
** (365) Steve grabs the walkie talkie and thumbs the switch. "Check check. Paging morons. Come on back, over." **
(370) Enrique: "might as well use it. He won't be needing it." He paused for a moment. Aware that the entire situation had not allowed him to sneak up on Jack and mayhaps place him in a headlock. It would have been...a growing experience.
(367) Jack: (a two bit thug)
(367) Jack: O_o
(371) Matthew Guilliard: (("Are you going to kill me?" "Only if you say the word 'monkey'. Now, tell me something useful."))
(369) arthurtuxedo: The group loads up the man's equipment in the trailer for now. The rest of the night passes uneventfully, barring some gunfire as each of the other four deserters are found and executed.
** (365) Steve thumbs the switch again. "Little Bird, this is Big Bird, what's your status? Over." **
(365) Steve: (aww)
(365) Steve: (Brace for impact!!)
** (370) Enrique was thankful that the rest of the night proved to be uneventful. He took the time to carry out his watch to the best of his ability and once that was over, he concentrated on personal concerns. **
(367) Jack: (there'll be a retcon to that line for the Big Story)
(365) Steve: (hurm. not much of an impact)
(365) Steve: (oh good)
(365) Steve: (kinda why I said that)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((Retcon what when where how? o_O *confused*))
(370) Enrique: (lol)
(367) Jack: (well, it was going to be a surprise...)
(370) Enrique: (I still find it funny that the first person I try not to kill, decides to go and get himself killed. *tsks* baad monkey! *scolds the corpse*)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((Well, I could wait, I'm just lost now.))
(367) Jack: (Marcao and I will be working on a special project this week.)
(365) Steve: (woot)
(370) Enrique: (!^_^!)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((Ah, okay.))
(369) arthurtuxedo: The group is greeted in the morning with a sight no one had seen since New York. This city actually has newspapers, and they are provided with the rooms. The headlines today are of particular interest to the group.
(367) Jack: (it may or may not involve head locking, but it won't include jack)
(369) arthurtuxedo: "Corporations Attack Memphis!" is the title of one. "Battle on the Mississippi" reads another.
(367) Jack: (Jehovah's Witnesses Take Over City!)
(369) arthurtuxedo: Apparently the corporate convoy passed this way just recently, and didn't take kindly to being asked for donations.
(367) Jack: (fuck me)
** (370) Enrique was surprised that newspapers are available in the city. His copy brought within the room in the morning shortly after he woke up. He scanned the headlines, looking for anything that caught his attention. The Battle of the Mississipi immediately caught his fancy considering their present location and the strewn wreckage he had seen in the water. He did not like what he saw,,, **
(365) Steve: (Well alright. So they took care of the pirates, but they're also in the lead)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: Matt pulls himself out of bed, opening up his bottle of pills and takes a single pill, washing it down with a rice cake and a gulp of water. His morning routine from that point on is rather standard, until he sees the paper.
** (367) Jack steps over the folded newspaper thinking it's nothing more than someone else's trash. **
(369) arthurtuxedo: The articles mention that the corporates used artillery, tanks, and killer robots. (Although a journalist is likely to label any armored tracked vehicle as a tank)
** (370) Enrique sat down on the edge of his bed and read the story carefully, his mind working on what the information meant for their own long term goals. "shit." He did not like what he read, the opposition seemed to be more significant than he had anticipated. He could deal with flesh and blood, but a sniper was useless against armor. He continued to read, each line adding to the sense of dread that was building within him. Suddenly, the enormity of their task was clearly before them and whatever doubts he had pushed beneath the surface began to claw their way once more to the forefront. Could they really do this? Maybe. Maybe not. Either way he had to try. He was committed. The realization did little to bring him comfort. He saw his death in California... **
(371) Matthew Guilliard: Upon reading the headline, the pit in Matt's stomach grew and weighed more than it ever had before. He felt as though his pill were burning a hole in his stomach, despite the rice cake. He knew it was them. He knew it, and he cursed the town for having a damned newspaper to announce it. On the one hand, it was useful information to have, with the amount of detail that went into the article, but now everyone would know, and that would make his job just that much harder, even after the river. Commiting the article to memory, Matt packs his things and begins to mentally prepare himself for today, for dealing with the group, and for dealing with the pirates.
** (367) Jack enjoys a calm and worry free continental breakfast, consisting of one donut, one cinnamon roll and all the orange juice he can drink. **
** (365) Steve took the paper with him to read over his morning coffee. He was feeling good after last night. Really good. The group was clicking. They were still rebels, but maybe not scum. No, not scum, people. People who he could fight alongside, possibly depend on. Possibly. Then he opened the paper and saw the headline. He read a bit, then looked up at Jack, mouth agape, then continued reading. **
(365) Steve: "This is bad."
(370) Enrique: (next time, I am going straight for the sports section.)
(367) Jack: What's that?
(365) Steve: He reread the article quickly. "This is no good at all." He showed Jack the headline.
** (367) Jack reads the headline. **
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((BRB, bathroom))
** (367) Jack takes a minute to think about it before realizing what it meant. **
** (367) Jack slumps back in his chair, without words to express how he felt. While they hadn't outright failed, their taks had just become immeasurably harder. **
** (365) Steve rests his chin on his hand. "Now I remember why I thought this trip was a bad idea." **
** (368) Penny roused herself. Jack had long since headed down for his breakfast. She looked around the room. At first she thought maybe something was missing. After careful examination she saw that everything was accounted for. Still, she couldn't shake the feeling that... that what? That something wasn't right. Before arriving in Memphis she'd felt that something malevolent was on the horizon but that wasn't all that unusual. In the course of one evening whatever had been hovering on the horizon had made giant strides to make itself known. She couldn't be sure what it was. All she could sense was that it was bad. Very, very bad. **
(368) Penny: (bombs away!)
(365) Steve: (bad, very bad, uh oh!)
** (367) Jack shook himself "No kidding," he said before going back to being distressed. **
(369) arthurtuxedo: A short time later everyone is at the breakfast table.;
** (368) Penny readied herself for what was going to be a long day. She set her hat in its place and stepped out the door. She opened the door and that's when the other shoe dropped. She eventually made her way to lobby and then to where everyone was congregating. She wished there was something she could do to lift the gloomy mood. As it was she wasn't in much of a cheery mood, much less a cheering up mood. **
(368) Penny: (hmph!)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((Back))
** (370) Enrique was sitting down on the table and looked around those gathered. "By the somber expressions, I take it we all got our hands on the local paper?" His tone was neutral, hiding his own doubts beneath a layer of professionalism. **
(365) Steve: "Yeah. Very interesting read, that."
** (367) Jack simply nods in response. **
(371) Matthew Guilliard: "It doesn't change the fact that we still have to cross the river. The pirates might have gotten hammered by the corps, but there will be more, we can bet on that. As for the corps, well, they're another problem, but on the upside, they don't know about us yet. We can use that to our advantage for the time being."
(365) Steve: Until we get to California, that is. "Right. Advantage. For the time being."
(367) Jack: It could be worse. They could already have the codes they need.
(367) Jack: ...
(365) Steve: (I'm burnt)
(369) arthurtuxedo: (Deathstalker is incoming)
(367) Jack: (hide! everyone hide!)
(365) Steve: (hit the dirt!!)
(369) arthurtuxedo: (Should we try and do the river crossing in the next 20 minutes, or leave that until next week? I wasn't really planning any surprises, so it could be done in 20 minutes)
(457) Deathstalker (enter): 17:09
(367) Jack: sure'
(369) arthurtuxedo: (Heyo)
** (370) Enrique considered for a moment before he spoke. "I agree with Matt, if we have any intention on completing our objective we have to keep going." Of course, the remained that if anyone had reconsidered. Now was the time to bring that to light. Getting to California was not the problem. The problem was once there to get the codes before teh corporates, or take them from their possession withought passing to the other side. **
(367) Jack: (I can give it that)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: Matt nods, sipping a cup of coffee. He didn't seem quite as eager to consume it this morning as he did yesterday, but the drink helped calm his nerves a little.
(365) Steve: (either way, don't matter)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((Sure, sounds good. Heya Deathstalker))
(370) Enrique: (heya! ^_^)
(365) Steve: (What up, DS?)
(457) Deathstalker: ((Who did I off?))
(367) Jack: (sup ds. lucky bastard, you're not even here and you get to kill people)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((A deserter))
(365) Steve: (yeah, some douchebag deserter)
(457) Deathstalker: (9THought you guys would be done!)
(457) Deathstalker: (I'll read the chat later)
Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (457) Deathstalker...
(369) arthurtuxedo: (The situation is that the group is sitting around the breakfast table discussing an article in the city's newspaper. The corporate convoy apparently blasted their way through to the other side of the river the day before.)
(460) Deathstalker (enter): 17:11
(367) Jack: that sucked
(365) Steve: (we're currently a bunch of morose mother fuckers right here)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: "Well, once we're done here, we'll go through with the plan, just like we discussed before. Let's hope they're more eager to rebuild than to get meaningless revenge."
(367) Jack: "Yeah," Jack says distantly.
(457) Deathstalker (exit): 17:12
(367) Jack: o_O
(367) Jack: (In or out, man!)
(461) Deathstalker (enter): 17:13
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((Ouch))
(461) Deathstalker: (is it just me or is everyone getting disconned?)
(367) Jack: (just you)
(365) Steve: (just you)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((Just you))
(369) arthurtuxedo: It doesn't take long to get the trucks prepped. Soon, the plan is ready to be put into motion. Matt and Enrique climb onto the dirtbike, and the rest of the group stays in the trucks, keeping watch. Before they get into visual range, Enrique disembarks to keep watch on the proceedings.
(460) Deathstalker (exit): 17:13
(369) arthurtuxedo: (Stereophonic!)
(367) Jack: (hydromatic!)
(365) Steve: (Sledge-o-matic!!)
** (370) Enrique settled on a spot that allowed him a crisp line of sight to Matt and settled in to wait. The vegitation around him offered him significant cover and he was relatively certain that his presence remained unknown. He watched closely, editing out most of the normal sounds of his surroundings. It was in Matt's hands now. **
(371) Matthew Guilliard: Matt approaches the river on the bike, wearing much more casual clothes than most corps would ever wear. The helmet, his glasses, an undershirt, his vest, some ragged sneakers, and a pair of jeans. Nothing fancy. He knew that these pirates would hate anything even remotely smelling like a corp, much less looking like one. As he approached, he looked for any tell tale signs of life or awaiting death.
(371) Matthew Guilliard: (vest being his ballistic one, of course)
(369) arthurtuxedo: As Matt approaches, he identifies the source of the small fires he saw as bodies. Hundreds of their compatriots' bodies are burning, and the majority of the gang seems to be busy rebuilding fortifications and moving salvageable vehicle wrecks. They seem actuely aware that another road gang could devastate them right now, and perhaps take over as tollmen of the river.
(369) arthurtuxedo: Soon, Matt finds the right person to talk to
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((Hey, let's take over! We'll ambush the corpies on their way back, and in the meantime, we'll live like kings!))
(369) arthurtuxedo: "You want passage?" The man blurts out without preamble.
(371) Matthew Guilliard: "Yeah, I do. Got some people I want to get across, what can I do to make it worth your while?"
(369) arthurtuxedo: "Five thousand clams, no less. We need the money to rebuild all this fuckin' damage." He attempts to convey through body language that he doesn't want to negotiate.
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((How much money is left in the kitty at this point?))
** (365) Steve grits his teeth. Five thousand bucks, what a ripoff artist. "We ought to give em 5000 bullets." **
(369) arthurtuxedo: (Looks like the total amount spent so far has been about 2 grand, so there's still quite a bit left. 38k, I think)
(371) Matthew Guilliard: Matt whistles, "Ouch. Don't suppose some guns might lighten that load, would it?" ((Argumentation, bonus for voicebox?))
(461) Deathstalker: **"I wonder if there is a discount for a round trip ticket?"
(369) arthurtuxedo: He scratches his chin. "If they're in good condition, we'll take 100 off for each pistol. 250 for each rifle. Give or take, of course."
** (367) Jack winces at the mention of the price. On the plus side, it sounds like they're only interested in money and not revenge on just anyone. **
(371) Matthew Guilliard: "Sounds good. Here, I brought up a sample of what they're like, you can look 'em over yourself," Matt takes the guns, wrapped in a blanket, off of the motorcycle, and lays them out on the nearest flat surface, the ground if there's not a table nearby. "Look 'em over, I figure we can have nice mix of guns and cash set up for you when the rest of my crew comes along."
(371) Matthew Guilliard: ((Shotgun and pistol in the blanket, btw))
(369) arthurtuxedo: (Cool, we'll decide on the forum what the mix will be, as for now...)
(369) arthurtuxedo: * * * End Session 11 * * *
(365) Steve: woot
(371) Matthew Guilliard: Excellent :D
(365) Steve: that was teh win
(370) Enrique: (woo!)
(369) arthurtuxedo: 20 XP for all, bringing the running total up to 150 earned XP
(371) Matthew Guilliard: sweet
(370) Enrique: hee!
(369) arthurtuxedo: And Session 11 means that this campaign has now officially lasted longer than SDN2
(365) Steve: WOOT!
(371) Matthew Guilliard: lol
(370) Enrique: hehehehe'
(367) Jack: and we haven't killed each other!
(367) Jack: or wanted to!
(367) Jack: much
(365) Steve: That's the best part
(370) Enrique: lol
(370) Enrique: much is the key word. ^_~
(369) arthurtuxedo: I enjoyed that session. A lot of player interaction, but also some imminent danger to keep things interesting.
(367) Jack: okay, guys. time to order come chinese
(365) Steve: I've got dinner waiting for me, so I'll catch you guys next week
(367) Jack: word
(368) Penny: He has a really large cock.
(368) Penny (exit): 17:37
(371) Matthew Guilliard: Okay, later everyone. Great game :)
(369) arthurtuxedo: Later